Mitch started it all when he told the Southern Baptist to go save themselves and took an early retirement. He'd given them everything he had but they were demanding more. So in the most loving and Christian way possible, he said, "Blow me!" and he left. Frightened at first, he panicked over how he would make it, but his incredible gift of compassion and understanding landed him at Hospice where he's now helping others through rough waters.
Mark was blindsided unexpectedly and found himself wondering what he was going to do. Life was good and he didn't want to disrupt it but the company didn't and cut him loose. Like everyone he was worried being in uncharted Seas where he and his family could go under. But he's so good at what he does that another company gave him new sails and another rudder and he's sailed to a new place and all is good.
Dedra dove in head first to change and immediately liked the calm waters. After years of giving herself away to others, she'd finally found herself. The past has a long reach though and jerked her back to then and she lost a year trying to fix what was. Just when everyone thought they had her, she dove back in more determined than ever to calmly stroll the beach on Baby bear kind of days.
An island is populated by only two kinds of people ... those running to something and those running from ... something. Most fall into later category, knowing what they don't want while desperately hoping they can find the things they need by the Sea. It's the ultimate change of location, though as Guy Sayles, America's greatest minister, once said, "Hell is portable. You take it with you wherever you go." So I was very pleased a few weeks ago to read our friend Robin was finally running to something and now has a launch to kayak anytime she wants.The Carnival of Friends have all reached safe ports after a couple of years helping each other through storm tossed Seas. Holding one another tender in our hearts, we wave as our ships and occasionally dock at the same pier to celebrate where we are and bury where we were.
New boats sale pass and we wave at Sean and Wen, Glenn and Vickie, Jimmy and Steven.
The kids have all set sail to new places having just embarked on their journeys and there is all of the streamers, cheers and corks of Champaign popping. With a hand on the starboard bow, they wave and smile knowing the best is yet to come.
Sarah clinks her glass to mine. We toast them all and say a prayer to God. "Give them all a lovely cruise. When rough waters come, help them choose. Take them to calm seas with a light breeze; let the rest of their lives be at ease. Amen."
